Rescue Me by Jennifer Johnson

Sitting in front of her parents’ house in a U-Haul truck at midnight, Amy Mann decides it’s time to break it to them that she’s divorced from her husband and moving back home with her seven-year-old son, Toby. As Amy settles into her hometown, she has a plan to get out of debt, get her college degree, and put her life together.

Enter Captain Riley Pennimon, local firefighter and superhero to Amy’s son. Riley is kind, brave, and civic-minded. The captain does not fit into Amy’s putting-her-life-together plan, and yet he is way too good looking without a shirt. Much to Amy’s chagrin, Toby decides that Riley is just what they need for a happily-ever-after.

But, can Amy make peace with the demons of her mistakes and let the captain rescue her? And…can Riley let go of the pain of his past and grab onto the family he’s always wanted?

I’m really happy to introduce you today to my new friend Genevieve Graham. She’s marvelous and smart and fun. She also knows her business – writing. She’s graciously agreed to come by today and tell us one of the ways she keeps readers turning pages. She likes to mix things up! Here’s Genevieve to tell you how.

Why I Mix Things Up A Bit:

In my Romance Times Review, (4/5 stars!) Kathe Robin said, “The shift between first-person to third-person narrative may be difficult for some readers to follow, but others will be completely engrossed as each story unfolds.”

It’s true that a novel usually follows one perspective or the other, and the norm is either First Person (narrator in the scene: I am, I see, etc) or Third Person (fly on the wall: he saw, he went, etc), but rarely both. In Under the Same Sky, I played with that a bit, alternating every few chapters between Maggie’s first person perspective and Andrew’s third person perspective.

Under the Same Sky was the first book I’d ever written, and I actually didn’t realize what I’d done at first. I wrote the way the words and scenes came to me. But once I was done, and I saw how the stories of Maggie and Andrew had been told differently, I never even considered changing the perspectives.

Why did I feel compelled to write the book in this unusual style? I guess it’s because

Under the Same Sky tells a story that exists on two levels. Andrew’s story is written completely in Third Person, because it was vital that the reader experience a larger picture, a panorama of settings and people. Andrew’s Scotland is a rugged, hard place, but a beautiful one as well. I needed to paint that picture as colourfully as I could. Maggie, too, lived in a rough but picturesque land, but because of her gifts, her story needed to be told from an internal source.

I’m willing to bet you have had at least one “psychic” experience, whether it’s knowing what another person is about to say, knowing the next song on the radio, or something like that. How can you explain what that feels like to someone else? The words have to come from within that person’s psyche. First Person narrative may be confusing at first, but the outcome draws the reader into a world the Third Person narrative can’t achieve.

To my way of thinking, First Person explores the mind, the heart, the emotions from within. Third Person opens up the rest of the world, setting scenes, providing the wider view, encompassing more characters and experiences than just what the narrator knows. I’m not saying this is how books should be written, but to me, considering the depth of the psychic communication happening between Maggie and Andrew, that was the way I felt it needed to be explored.

Before I forget …

You know what else Ms Robin said in her review? “Readers will wait with bated breath for the sequel.” I’m so glad she mentioned that. Sound of the Heart will be released in stores May 1, 2012, and is available for preorder online now!

A lot of critics don’t approve of books written in the First Person perspective. What do you think?

Under the Same Sky by Genevieve Graham

The year is 1746. A young woman from South Carolina and a Scottish Highlander share an intimacy and devotion beyond their understanding. They’ve known each other their entire lives. And yet they have never met…

Maggie Johnson has been gifted with “the Sight” ever since she was a child. Her dreams bring her visions of the future, and of a presence she knows is real. She calls him Wolf, and has seen him grow alongside her from a careless young boy into a fearsome warrior. And when her life is torn asunder by unspeakable tragedy, he is her only hope.

Andrew MacDonnell is entranced by the vision of a beautiful woman who has always dwelt in his dreams. When war ravages his land and all he has ever known, he leaves the Scottish Highlands on a perilous journey to the New World to find her, knowing that their only chance of survival is with one another…

Their quest to find each other across a treacherous wilderness will test the limits of courage and endurance, guided only by their dreams—and by the belief in the true love they share …

Reviews

A beautifully written, riveting novel.

–Madeline Hunter, New York Times bestselling author of “Dangerous in Diamonds”

Graham’s sweeping tale unfolds with the kind of luscious, unrushed prose that feels rapturously close to epic.

–Shana Abé, New York Times bestselling author of “The Time Weaver”

ROMANCE TIMES REVIEWS: ↔↔↔↔

About Genevieve:

Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing the oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta, she met her future husband in a chairlift lineup and subsequently moved to Calgary to be with him. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia with their two beautiful daughters. Writing became an essential part of Genevieve’s life a few years ago, when she began to write her debut novel, Under the Same Sky.

Here we are! *blows tiny horn* We did it! 2011 is behind us and 2012 lay ahead filled with possibilities. This is very exciting to me as I am from the “ANYTHING is possible” state of mind. Maybe being an only child is the reason for my crazy self confidence (which transfers to everyone. I mean I can totally do it so why not every one else too?) Maybe it’s my faith. Maybe it’s the fact I’ve already seen so many people obtain the impossible. Whatever the reason, I want you to get smiley. You can do IT.

This is the time when we sit and make our resolutions. Many frown on this and I snort at them. I think that’s a hipster mentality. Making New Year’s Resolutions is a tradition. We’ve been doing it all our lives and it’s FUN. Remember fun?? Don’t get me started. ANYWAY!!!

I want to encourage you to put some writing resolutions in there with “save money” and “lose weight.” If you’re a writer, make this the year you embrace it! Here are some suggested writing resolutions:

2012 Writing Resolution…suggestions

1. Make the declaration. If you haven’t already, state it aloud “I’m a writer.” Promise to tell people the truth when they ask what you do. It’s okay to say “I was writing.” Stop pretending you were napping or cleaning. Writers never get to do those things.

2. Make time to write. If you have the opposite problem and say you’re a writer but can’t remember the last time you wrote anything *tsk tsk* Resolve to allow yourself an hour a week to write. That’s not much to ask. It’s the duration of one prime time show. One hour a week is NOT unattainable.

3. If you’ve been toiling with the same manuscript for too long, resolve to finish it in 2012. Don’t start a new one until this one is finished. Tell the other voices in your head their story will be told, but this one deserves your attention. Let me tell you, those other voices won’t disappear. They’ll be there. It’s okay to make notes about the concept to help you delve in later, then focus on the work that’s keeping you back from getting on with your career. Choose now before the unfinished story steals any more of your time: Finish it or drop it and walk away. Don’t let one story immobilize you.

4. Stop lurking. Are you a lookey-Lou? A lurky Sam? Knock it off! You’ll never make friends if no one knows you’re there. Leave comments on your favorite blogs. Talk to strangers on twitter. Strike up a conversation and keep doing it. You will be so much happier, less lonely and glad you did. I *promise*.

5. Get on twitter people! Serious. Get.On.Twitter. Email me if you need help but twitter is a writer’s paradise. Meet agent, editors, aspiring writers, your favorite authors, learn the scoop as it happens, find beta buddies and crit partners. GET ON TWITTER.

6. Submit! So many writers have a computer filled with manuscripts, short stories, poems, you name it….and they don’t submit them! What? Are you kidding me? *kicks you in the pants* Start submitting! You can’t keep those in a vault. We want to read them!!! Readers need new material. Do you know despite my own blog, social media addiction, home, hubsy, 3 kids and a myriad of other non-stop things, I down a novel every couple days? I NEED more awesome reads. Put yourself out there. Write “I will be brave” on that list of resolutions and do it!

7. Accept rejection as a war wound, battle scar, rite of passage and MOVE ON. Rejection is a part of the job. Like lack of sleep comes with a new baby or serious bruising comes with football. When you have something that matters to you, it will impact you. Take the blow, dust off your knickers and GET UP. Writers are tough so put the past where it belongs and put your eyes on the horizon, man.

8. Attend a writers event, book signing, conference, or other gathering of bookish peeps. It’s so refreshing to be surrounded by people that get you. Truly. WriteOnCon happens online every summer and is FREE. While it’s geared to writing for children through young adults, the advice and information given by agents and editors about the industry is invaluable. Definitely worth your time. Make a resolution to find a local conference or other event. Put it on your calendar. GO.

9. Tackle whatever other writing goal you’re putting off. Start a blog. Work on a web presence. Brand yourself. I know you have writer things you want to accomplish, make 2012 the year you do.

10. You’re a writer. Make that count this year. Your goals matter. Treat them that way. Until you do, no one else will. You can reach your goals, but every win starts with effort. Start a forward positive momentum now and resolve to keep it up. You are important. Your goals are too. If you need a cheerleader, let me know. You know where to find me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

This has been a great year for me. I thank everyone who stops here. I discovered Google Analytics and realized I’m not talking to myself. That’s a nice thing to know. Last year I wrote a 2010 wrap up – I think…it may have been after I’d completed a year of blogging…my days run together. It’s a writer’s life. What can I say? I judge time by what book I was reading or what chapter I was writing. I’m a mess.

Anyway.

2011 has come to a close and this is what my meager reading/writing/and online efforts have to show for themselves:

Writing!

I have written and contracted three 25K word sweet romance novellas for the Turquoise Morning press’ new Honey Creek line (launching next month). Together they form my new Seeds of Love series. Bloom comes January 29th, Love Blossoms will arrive in September and the final book comes this time next year — I’m having title fails, but it really does exist LOL

I have also contracted a series of darkly humorous women’s fiction novels. The first title, Death by Chocolate will release late in March and kick off my Killer Confection Saga with kNight Romance Publishing.

Social Media!

I have a GoodReads author account now which as it turns out isn’t super cool because I go there to see what everyone’s reading. I’m a greedy reader and HATE to miss anything!! But many people have security in place to filter authors out. I find that sucky because I’m not like a REAL author-author. I’m an obsessed reader who also writes stuff. I wanna be your friend!!! Let me INNNN *pounds on friendship door* I HAVE BROWNIES!!!

Anyway

A First for Me:

I attempted NaNoWriMo for the first time ever in 2011! I lost, but whatever. It was a valiant effort, I promise.

I highly recommend going to any conference you can if you’re a writer. It’s such a bizarre and thrilling feeling to MEET like in the flesh MEET people you read or chat with online. SO much fun.

Bloggy Deets

In 2011 I discovered the fun of stalking analytics. I found some interesting people visiting this place. My blog was visited by the Federal Trade Comission, the Federal Communication Commission, ColdWater Creek (I go to their site a lot too LOL), McMillan Publishing, lots of colleges and library systems, Amazon.com <– LOL right?, Nordstrom…I have an online shopping problem when the shops start checking me out too : / I’ll move on from this now.

25,000 unique visitors

from 121 countries <– OH-EM-GEE. Am I right?

100,000 page views

That’s a wrap! If you’re still reading this then THANK YOU!!! I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for all my writing buddies and tweet-peeps and friends.

Happy New Year!

I am often asked how I deal with writer’s block. I haven’t had to. No, I haven’t been writing long – only about 3 years- BUT never once have I lived the movie portrayal of a writer…sulking, swigging whiskey and living in a bathrobe while staring at a blank page. I’m a firm believer in making things happen. Where there’s a will there’s a way and all that.

I HAVE known plenty of authors who don’t write for months or more because they are embracing the block.

Give me a second to pull on my rain gear before the cyber tomatoes hit. I’ve noticed most of those writers suffering from “writer’s block” also claim to be pantsers. *ducks* *runs for cover* *lifts megaphone from safe distance*

I am NOT suggesting pantsers are wrong, not as good, ALL going to have writer’s block or any other thing like this. I, myself, frequently pants a story line. Pantsing is fun. Mama likey.

BUT.

You do see how that method of attack leaves a writer open to chin tapping and head rubbing, right? If you’re making it up as you go then any point in the story can leave you baffled and at a loss. After all, every writer knows how unruly and random our characters can be. This is why I fully support outlining and preparations of any and all kinds for serious projects ESPECIALLY those under deadlines.

Here are some ways to do yourself a favor and set a little (or BIG plan before you pants your pants off).

Be a Mini-Planner

This is a good option for those die-hard pantsers who refuse to betray their style. Mini-planners write up a blurb, a paragraph, a page perhaps of their new concept. Give it a running title. Jot down the basic plot or point of the story – the concept. Then maybe using X’s for names, list the major trials, stumbling blocks etc and the ending.

Any details you have now can help later when the blank page stares back and it’s been too long for you to remember where you were planning to go with the story.

OR

Be a Planner-Planner

This is where you sit down and thoughtfully write your synopsis now, before you start. Tell the story in a book report style hitting all the major points and sub plots. Make it a little story in itself and you know you’re done when reading it makes you smile and want to know more. Now you have a thorough layout for guiding you along and less chance of writers block.

OR…hang on to your headbands kids…

Be a Planner with a Plan

This is how I write when the story when I need to stay on task till the end. I start with a plan that matters. I spend a few days in preparation before I start writing the words of the story and it makes a huge difference. This is how I prepare:

I open a Word doc and title it Concept. There I write the general idea of what the story will be. I create a quick query style blurb hitting the key points and draws of the new story.

I open another doc and call it Synopsis or Overview. There I begin to build on the concept, adding details and maybe character names and sub plots.

I open another doc and call it Outline.

I decide how many words minimum I need to meet my required length for the story and then I break that down into 8-10 page chunks (I love short chapters). Most of my 75-80K word stories need about 30-35 chapters. My novellas are 25K, I know they need 25 chapters – give or take.

Then I write them in my outline

I. Chapter One

II. Chapter two

Then I think…what needs to happen in Chapter one? and I drop down a space and add things I need to cover in each chapter. For example, if I’m writing a romance, I want to be sure both the hero and heroine are found in chapter one – preferably they need to meet or share a moment somehow. I need to make their connection, show they will meet again etc.

When I’ve created a few sub points under each chapter, I will often go back and add clues or ties in the chapters. I will scan through the points I’m hitting on and see a place in chapter two where I can say something that will come back in chapter 15 and 28. You see what I mean? Not only mysteries use these little threads. Readers like seeing things early and wondering if it will return. I do that all the time. Themes and reoccurring points, songs, phrases, concepts make the end feel complete, like a proverbial bow has been pulled tight and fluffed with love.

When this part is finished – and really- seriously- don’t go bazonkers over this. It takes like a day or two of your writing time to get set up and if you tend to suffer from the block <– am now nicknaming it – then this will save you days or weeks or months in the future. You will have a cheat sheet to help you along. Even when characters go off the mark, it’s easier to compensate and get things on their new track without walking away. “A stitch in time saves nine” right?